151 
55 fl5 

»y 1 




Afto^iesBlYe Jarmers 




*j'™p'w^ -'f ♦- 



.^j, 



isi 



IfANB RBGISTIIY 



TreKtoxL, Ifew Jersey 



/ i r 




NEW JERSEY'S DIVERSIFIED SOILS 
offer exceptional opportunities to capable 
farmers, who want to specialize. 




A highly developed potato farm 



OUR FARMLANDS, developed or undeveloped, are 
in established communities where farm life is in 
close association with industrial and suburban life. 




A community market in one of our industrial cities. Fresh produce for 
townspeople; good prices for farmers. 



New Jersey 

^progressive Jaimeis 



ADVANTAGES AND CONDITIONS 

POSITION. — New Jersey has long been known for its truck farms; 
its advantages for dairying, fruit raising, poultry and general 
farming are less well recognized. Occupying the most advan- 
tageous position in the Union, between the two great centers of 
New York and Philadelphia, and with more than ten million people living 
within sixty miles of the State House, New Jersey offers a wonderful field 
to agriculturists. Its unexcelled markets, moderate climate, and the ready 
adaptability of its soils to a wide range of crops, give opportunities for farm- 
ing such as no other state can ofifer. 

New Jersey's Rank in Farming.— The total value of the State's agricul- 
tural products is estimated at $150,000,000, which, coming from slightly 
over 1,000,000 acres of cultivated land, gives the exceedingly high average 




One of Jersey's century-old farms. 



Tin 




A dairy farm on low-priced, newly-cleared land. 

yield of about $150 per acre. In proportion to its area New Jersey leads 
all states east of the Mississippi River in acreage and total production of 
alfalfa. On the same basis it leads all states in poultry and potato pro- 
duction. Three of its counties are among the five largest producing sweet 
potato counties in the United States and the State holds the dairy record for 
the highest county production per cow. New Jersey's crop of black- 
berries and dewberries is the largest, and its asparagus crop is the 
second largest, in the country. It raises more than one-half of the pepper 
crop, and one-third of the cranberry crop. Contrary to the general opinion 
that the State's agricultural activities are confined mostly to the raising of 
fruit and truck, it can be shown that New Jersey produces annually over 
$25,000,000 worth of dairy products, $17,000,000 worth of corn, $14,000,- 
000 worth of hay, and $19,000,000 worth of potatoes. 




Four 




Population .— Though one of the thirteen original states, New Jersey is 
still growing rapidly in population, and property values of every kind are 
increasing. The State census of 1915 returned a total of 2,844,342 inhab- 
itants, a gain of over 307,175 or 12 per cent since the Federal census of 
1910 was taken. The property assessment for 1918 gave a total of 
$3,030,926,010. 

Farm Decline . — Forty years ago city attractions, western lands and other 
influences caused a movement that resulted in a depreciation of farm values 
throughout the eastern states. New Jersey was afl[ected by that movement 
to such an extent that many good farms were left unoccupied and the State's 

Fivt 



farming interests suffered generally. Twenty years ago the tide turned; 
the intrinsic worth of New Jersey soils and the State's unrivalled position 
began to be recognized. To-day we are on the flood of a recovery that 
promises to bring under cultivation most of the land formerly farmed and 
much that has never before been cultivated. 

Plenty of Land . — Though many of our farms are yielding high returns 
there are now available for immediate and future development, a million 
acres of land quite as good as most of that now in profitable culture. Three 
hundred and fifty thousand acres of the best grain and fruit land occupy the 
valleys and hillsides of Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex and 
Warren Counties. Six hundred and fifty thousand acres lie in the southern 
half of the State, where the soil is light and easily worked, and the growing 
season long. 




Our farms are served by fine roads and often bp trolley lines. 

Some land in South Jersey is of little value for agricultural purposes, and 
should remain in forest, but the impression that it all is sterile is altogether 
wrong. 

New Jersey can offer no public land, but much of that which is available 
can be purchased for less than the assessments on so-called "free lands" in 
other states. Uncleared land can be secured for from $5 to $20 an acre; 
cleared land without buildings for $20 an acre ; run-down farms with build- 
ings for as little as $50 an acre, while farms in good condition can often be 
obtained for from $60 to $100 an acre, depending upon location and other 
conditions. From these low figures prices range upwards, yet with many 
opportunities to acquire good farms upon better terms than those that rule 
in other states. There are also opportunities to rent. 

Six 




Farmers' children are transported to graded schools. 

New Jersey is Highly Developed. — New Jersey is highly organized, and 
offers attractions not in the future but now. Yet there is plenty of room for 
expansion. Every farming section is in closest touch with city populations 
and consuming centers, so that nowhere need the farmer live in isolation. 
There are practically no farms in New Jersey more than three hours away 
from New York or Philadelphia. Few farms are more than two miles 
from an improved highway, or more than four miles from a railroad station. 
Stores are always near, and telephone and daily mail reach every section. 

Schools, Banks, Social Advantages. — New Jersey's schools are among the 
best in the Union. Graded schools are provided for farmers' children, 
as well as for those who live in town. High schools are always ^/ithin 
reach, while three universities provide for higher education. An agricul- 
tural college is at the service of those who wish to qualify as modern 
farmers. 

Every community has at least one bank, organized and administered under 
Federal or State control, and various co-operative associations, all designed 
to meet the financial needs of the people. 

No farmer's family need be out of touch with religious or social life. 
Churches of every denomination abound and are easily reached by means 
of our good roads. 

Sex'pn 




Members of a county farm bureau visit the State Agricultural College 
and Experiment Station. 



STATE AID FOR FARMERS 

Many Helping Agencies . — New Jersey has unrivaled sources of informa- 
tion for the farmer. The Agricultural Experiment Station, the Agricul- 
tural Extension Service of the State University, and the State Depart- 
ment of Agriculture are always ready to give advice and assistance of a thor- 
oughly practical kind. A Superintendent of Farm Demonstration is main- 
tained in every farming county, as the representative of the Extension Ser- 
vice of the State University, to help with local soil and farm problems. Co- 
operative farm organizations are abundant, and the community spirit in the 
rural districts has been developed to a high degree. 



CLIMATE 

Growing Seasons. — Climatic conditions are moderate and do not vary 
greatly throughout the State. The rainfall is exceptionally uniform, the 
average monthly precipitation being close to four inches; there is always 
plenty of water ever3rwhere for agricultural purposes. The first and last 
killing frosts average : in the northern sections, September 25 to October 5, 
and May 2 to May 15; in the central, October 10 and April 25; in the 
southern, October 15 and April 20, the season of the southern portion of the 

Eiff/it 




Xut (in aiitomohile xhou) — A Sussex County farmers' meeting. 

State being several weeks longer than that of the northern. Neither heavy 
snowstorms nor extended cold periods are frequent ; the winters in the south- 
ern sections especially are often mild and with but little snow. Destructive 
winds are practically unknown. 

SOILS 
Relation to Crops. — New Jersey soils present great variation in texture, 
composition, water-holding power and productivity. This fact determines 
to a large extent the particular crops which thrive on each type. The prin- 
cipal soil types shown on the map opposite page 10 are intended only to 
generalize the situation. The soil map of South Jersey, page 1 2, is still too 
small to be more than indicative of the prevailing kinds of soils found in 
that section. Detailed soil surveys of the whole State are nearly com- 
pleted, and maps and descriptions of several sections are already available. 



Nine 



GENERAL SOIL TYPES 

(see map opposite.) 

Section /. — Level to very gently rolling, sandy and sandy loams, well or 
poorly drained. 

This area is famous for its production of market garden crops, tree fruits, 
small fruits, cranberries and poultry, and bids fair to rank among the first 
of the farming sections along the Atlantic coast. Here progressive farmers 
have taken the light w^arm lands, and, by skillful handling and the use of 
modern methods, including the application of fertilizers, growing of cover 
crops, and sometimes the installation of irrigation, have produced crops of 
far greater value than those grown on the naturally rich lands of other 
states. Certain parts of this section are non-agricultural in character and 
should remain in forest. 

Section 2. — Level and gently rolling, loams to sandy loams, sometimes in- 
fluenced by the presence of marl ; generally well drained. 

This section is known for its large crops of truck, potatoes, tomatoes, fruit 
and corn. In the hands of skilled farmers these extremely fertile soils are 
among the most productive in the country. 

Section 3. — Gently rolling with some stony ridges. South of the moraine 
loamy, shaley or clayey soil, derived from red and gray shales and sand- 
stones; north of the moraine considerable glacial drift, soils frequently grav- 
elly and sandy loams. Drainage good except in certain areas. 

These loams, rich in plant food, are, at their best, capable of producing 
large yields of hay, corn, grain and forage crops. 

Section 4. — Rolling to hilly; soils predominately well drained and com- 
monly loams derived from granite and gneiss, often stony ; some broad, fer- 
tile limestone valleys. 

This section offers picturesque stretches of hills, valleys and rich pasture 
lands. Here the gently sloping hillsides constitute ideal sites for fruit or- 
chards and dairy farming. 

Section 5. — Rolling to hilly, occasionally mountainous; soils loams and 
some sandy loams derived from limestones, sandstones and shales, generally 
well drained. Considerable areas of muck land, developed and undeveloped. 
Here, as in Section 4, the hillsides and extensive valleys are used for 
dairying, while numerous apple orchards are found throughout. Market 
gardening is carried on where the rich muck land is available. 

Ten 



DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT 




<i.^; 



Ce-p» May Oily 




Good roads prevail in the farming sections. 



ROADS 



Extensive Highway System. ^The high quality of our roads, and the auto- 
mobile give rural life in New Jersey substantially all the advantages and 
opportunities of suburban life. Farmers in every section enjoy comfort 
and economy in travel, and accessibility to markets, shopping centers, 
churches and amusements. The State is covered with a network of 15,000 
miles of rural roads; it has .784 miles of surfaced roads per square mile of 
area, or nine times as much as the average for the United States. The State 
and its various agencies are constructing a highway system which will in- 
volve an expenditure of approximately $35,000,000. Only the best and 
most durable types of roads are being laid down. These arteries of traffic 
are opening up the undeveloped sections, and creating prosperous farms and 
increased values everywhere. 



Eleven 



SOUTH JERSEY 

INDICATING PRINCIPAL Soil Types 
1920 

DEPARTMENl OF 
Conservation »no DtvEuoPMtNT 

TRENTON 




itlanlic Ci+y (j 



LEGEND 



LOAM 

E SANOV LOAM 



lY SANDY LOAM 
OAM 



LOAMY SAN a 



©LOA 

©GRAveilY 
SANOY L 

©COAR5E 3AN 
SAND, LOAM 
FINE SANO 

®RED OR MARL 
SANOY LOAM 

©SANOY LOAM 
FIME SANOY 

©WHITE 3AND;,LARC 
nON-A&niCULTURAL 

© 



ARCILY 
RAL 
SHOUID RCMAIR IK FOREST* 

TIDE MARSH 



FRESH WATER MARSM 
30 Miles 



T^uelve 



SOUm JERSEY 

INDICATING PRINCIPAL CROP CENTER5 
AND RAILROAD FACILITIES 

1920 

department of 
Conservation ano Development 

TRENTON 



iJi^ 











Thirteen 




Our farms are tributary to the nation's greatest playground — the Jersey coast. 

MARKET FACILITIES 

Unlimited Markets at Hand. — Farmers in New Jersey do not have the 
difficult marketing problems encountered by producers in the Western and 
Southern States. New York on one side of the State and Philadelphia on 
the other, are within one hundred miles of any farm in the State, yet New 
Jersey at present supplies but a small percentage of their needs. The man- 
ufacturing cities, the country towns and villages and the rapidly growing 
seashore resorts within the State likewise furnish markets for a large part 
of the farm products now grown. Twenty-five hundred miles of steam 
railways, a great highway system and deep-water ship transportation on 
three sides give our farmers market connections surpassed by those of no 
other territory in the world. 

MARKETING FARM CROPS 



Dairy Products. — In parts of Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Morris and 
Somerset Counties, ninety per cent of the farm incomes are derived from 
the sale of fluid milk. A majority of these farmers are members of the 
Dairymen's League, and market their products through that organization 
in New York, Philadelphia, Newark and Paterson. The railroads run 
special milk trains, or have milk cars attached to mixed freight trains. 
Light motor trucks are much used for the delivery of milk to shipping sta- 
tions. In some localities motor truck routes have been established, whereby 

Fourteen 




The world's larftest 
markets are within 
four hours of any 
farm in the State. 



one truck gathers the milk from a number of farms. Communities lo- 
cated along the Delaware have, in general, better facilities for shipping to 
Trenton and Philadelphia. The dairy sections of Burlington, Bridgcton 
and Salem Counties supply large quantities of milk to these markets through 
the Inter-State Milk Producers' Association, shipping by special milk trains 
to distributors in the cities. The dairymen in Monmouth County ship by 
special milk trains to the large markets, and haul to the shore resorts by 
motor truck. 

Fruits and Vegetables. — Hundreds of huge motor trucks are used by the 
fruit and vegetable growers in the northern counties to deliver their pro- 

Fifteen 




Peaches for the city market by motor truck. 



ducts in Paterson, Newark and New York. Excellent train service is also 
provided. In Sussex, Warren, Morris and Hunterdon Counties, where 
the apple industry is of importance, growers are building up an extensive 
trade on "Jersey Brand" apples, marketing their high-class fruit in New 
York, Newark, Paterson and other large cities. Some growers are now 
shipping to points in Pennsylvania and the New England States. 

In Monmouth, Middlesex, Mercer, and parts of Burlington Counties the 
motor truck is used to carry produce to the New York, Newark, Trenton 
and seashore markets. Special cars are provided by the railroads upon 
request. The growers of the Delaware River district in Burlington County 
ship directly to New York on a specially chartered fast freight train, and at 
the same time supply Philadelphia and river front towns by means of trucks. 
Riverton and Beverly are the two largest river front shipping points. From 
them many carloads of produce are despatched daily during the height of 
the season. 

In South Jersey motor trucks are in common use, several hundred crossing 
the ferries at Camden each night with fruit and vegetables for the Phila- 

Sixteen 




Tomato market at the height of the season; buyers ready i<i rniiip'tt- 

delphia wholesale houses. Large quantities of peaches, berries and vege- 
tables are shipped in refrigerator cars from Hammonton and Vineland. 
Throughout this district special produce trains are put on for the season, 
and goods can be loaded by the shipper as late as 4 p.m. for the early morn- 
ing markets in New York and Philadelphia. 

Tomatoes.— Many thousand acres of tomatoes are grown for the canning 
factories located throughout the Central and Southern counties. Some 
growers contract in the spring for a specified number of acres at a given 
price per ton. Others prefer to sell on the open market when the tomatoes 
are picked. From Swedesboro, one of the largest shipping stations, a single 
day's shipment of thirty to forty carloads of early tomatoes for distant mar- 
kets is not unusual during the height of the season. Most of the loading is 
done by representatives of wholesale produce houses. Bridgeton ships by 
water daily many tons of canning house tomatoes to Philadelphia and other 
points. 

Poultry. — The poultrymen in the northern counties market their products 
in the nearby cities by means of motor trucks. The Hunterdon County 

Seventeen 



Poultry Association sends its members' products to Newark by motor truck 
twice each week. Poultrymen in Monmouth and Ocean Counties around 
Eatontown, Red Bank, Lakewood and Toms River sell a considerable por- 
tion of their eggs at the shore resorts. New York and Newark markets are 
supplied by rail, Vineland and Hammonton being provided each day with a 
special egg car on a fast freight train. 

Potatoes and Staples . — Our great potato crops are generally marketed 
through farmers' organizations. These exchanges, through their numerous 
branches, ship to New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, 
and other cities. Staple crops are always sold without difficulty in New 
York and Philadelphia as these markets constantly demand such products in 
larger quantities than can be supplied. 

LOCAL FARMERS' MARKETS 

Curb and Municipal Markets . — Many cities of New Jersey maintain curb 
and municipal farmers' markets where the consumers buy direct from 
the producers, thus eliminating the middleman. The cities of Elizabeth 
and Perth Amboy have large retail curb markets where thousands of dollars 
worth of fruits and vegetables are sold by the farmers each week during the 
summer and fall seasons. Jersey City, Passaic, Morristown, Westfield, 
Plainfield, and Bayonne also support such markets, while New Brunswick 
has a very satisfactory wholesale market place for farmers. Trenton has 
established, within the last two years, one retail and one wholesale farmers' 
out-door market. As many as 125 farmers were accommodated during some 
days in 1919 at these Trenton markets. Woodbury, Burlington and other 
towns also have good retail curb markets. 

Seashore Markets . — The well-known Jersey seashore resorts offer unusual 
markets for fresh farm products the year around, the demand for the 
best quality food stuffs always exceeding the supply. Cape May County, 
and certain parts of Atlantic County, market practically their entire crops 
at these resorts, and large quantities of fruits and vegetables are hauled by 
motor trucks to the shore from Cumberland, Burlington and Monmouth 
Counties. 



Eighteen 




Nineteen 




-•1 roadside 
market. 



Roadside Markets have sprung up all over the State on well-traveled 
roads, especially in the southern sections along the main routes to the sea- 
shore resorts. These markets range from a modest market of potatoes set 
upon the grass near the edge of the road to a building showing to advantage 
attractive baskets and bunches of dififerent kinds of produce, as well as but- 
ter, jellies and canned fruits. The receipts from roadside markets run as 
high as three hundred dollars a day. 



General Market Methods. — In general the methods of selling farm pro- 
duce in New Jersey can be classified as follows: 

1. Producers shipping by rail or water to dealers in distant cities. 

2. Producers shipping by teams or motor trucks to dealers in nearby 
cities. 

3. Farmers' organizations shipping to dealers in distant cities. 

4. Cash buying, or consignment shipping by local dealers, for distant 
cities. 

5. Farmers selling direct to consumers or local dealers at curb or muni- 
cipal markets in nearby cities. 

6. Roadside marketing to tourists. 

Twenty 







Exhibits at the annual "ArjiTCidtural n'eek" Convention. 

FARMERS' CO-OPERATIVE ORGANIZATIONS 

Buying and Selling. — Farmers co-operative organizations are numerous 
and active. The Dairymen's League, with its forty-one local branches in 
Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Morris and Somerset Counties and the Inter- 
State Milk Producers' Association aid in the marketing of milk. The Mor- 
ris County Farmers' Exchange, located at Morristown, purchases supplies 
and sells products for the farmers in that and neighboring counties. The 
Bergen-Passaic Farmers' Co-operative Association, with its central office at 
Paterson, centers its efforts upon the buying of farm supplies, as most of the 
products of this section are marketed locally. The Warren County Farm- 
ers' Co-operative Association has its office at Belvidere, and the Essex 
County Farmers' Co-operative Association is located at Caldwell. The 
Bellemead Farmers' Club, in Somerset County, is one of the oldest and most 



Jersey 
farmers 
are well 
organized 
to buy 
and sell. 







^' ' 


si^^ 


> '' - . . . * CO-OPERATiVp — i 


m 


■''♦.■•■'•• 


ggriGRnrERSAsSuM 

T 1 V 


W^ "■ ■ " 





Tix:entx-rine 




Agricultural interests are foremost at the State Fairs. 

successful business organizations in the State. The Farmers' Co-operative 
Association of Mercer County has proved the practicability of a purely co- 
operative, non-stock association for buying supplies and selling products. 
Its business for the year 1919 exceeded half a million dollars. 

During the potato shipping season the Monmouth County Farmers' Ex- 
change, with headquarters at Freehold, operates some thirty branch loading 
stations throughout this famous farming section. It is the oldest and largest 
farmers' business organization in New Jersey, with about fifteen hundred 
stockholders. Mount Holly is the headquarters of the Burlington County 
Supply and Produce Company ; and at Woodstown is the office of the South 
Jersey Farmers' Exchange. These three organizations, located in the chief 
potato sections, ship the great bulk of New Jersey's potato crop, and supply 
their members with millions of dollars worth of seeds, fertilizers, feeds and 
implements. 

The South Jersey Federation of Tomato Growers is especially active in 
portions of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland Counties, and looks out for 
the interests of its several hundred members. The Co-operative Growers' 



Tiventy-tivo 




Much of Jersey's farmland is adapted to the use of tractors. 

Association, with headquarters at Beverly in Burlington County, charters 
a special train daily in summer to carry its members' products to the New 
York market. The largest poultry association in the State is located at 
Vineland, the center of one of the greatest poultry districts in the country. 
The several hundred members of this active organization use special labels 
to advertise Vineland eggs. 

Educational Associations. — Besides the organizations for buying and sell- 
ing, many associations have been formed for the promotion of various types 
of farming. Prominent among these are the New Jersey State Horticul- 
tural Society, the State Dairymen's Association, the State Potato Growers' 
Association, the State Alfalfa Association, and the State Poultry Associa- 
tion. Meetings are held at intervals to discuss methods for the advance- 
ment of their respective interests. 



FARMING AREAS 

Distribution of Population. — The industrial and thickly populated sec- 
tions of New Jersey are shown on the map on page 19, and significantly 

T^wenty-three 




Grain is largely 
grown on our 
heavier soils. 



cover a restricted territory, chiefly west and south of New York, east of 
Philadelphia, and along the coast. The central and southern sections are 
sparsely populated, and much of the land is devoted to, or is available for, 
farming. Attention is directed to the fact that although the population 
density of New Jersey, 405 persons per square mile, is exceeded only by that 
of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, 75 per cent of all the people are found 
in communities of over 2,500, occupying less than 6 per cent of the State's 
area. Outside these communities the population is far below the capacity of 
the land. 

Determination of Farming Areas. — Most of the land in cultivation lies 

close to the railways or waterways. Combinations of soil, topography, cli- 
mate, marketing facilities, custom, and other factors have caused types of 
farming to become intensified in certain localities to such an extent that it is 
possible to take up each type by areas. It is not to be inferred, however, 
that the successful pursuit of these types is restricted to the designated areas. 



Tvienty-four 



'>ic 




GENERAL FARMING 

Suited to Whole State. — Practically the entire State, outside of the indus- 
trial and thickly populated sections, (Map No. 1), is adapted to general 
farming, although only to a limited extent in some of the extremely sandy 
sections of Monmouth, Ocean, Burlington, Atlantic and Cape May Coun- 
ties, and in the mountainous portions of some of the northern counties. 
Corn, wheat, oats, hay and white potatoes are grown over the entire State 

Tvienty-five 




Alfalfa and 
timothy are 
profitable crops. 



and may be considered as companion crops, as land that is well adapted 
by natural conditions of composition, texture and arability, for the produc- 
tion of one, will produce any of them. 

Grain. — Wheat, rye and oats are grown chiefly on the heavy soils of the 
central and northern counties. Over 200,000 acres are planted annually for 
grain and straw; about 15,000 acres for cutting green. The State pro- 
duces annually about 2,000,000 bushels of wheat, 1,400,000 bushels of rye, 
and 2,400,000 bushels of oats. 

Forage Crops. — Jn connection with dairying the production of forage 
crops is of great importance. The grasses, both native and introduced, are 
grown in great abundance and with ease in the sections where heavy soils 
are found. Kentucky blue grass flourishes in all parts of the State. Tim- 
othy is the standard hay crop, over 100,000 acres being raised annually. 

Tiwenty-six 




350 bushels to the acre are not uncommon in the potato sections. 

Clover and alfalfa are being raised more and more as the farmers realize 
that they can be grown successfully on well drained lands. One year's 
hay crop is about 500,000 tons. Corn is king of all of the State's food pro- 
ducts, nearly 300,000 acres being planted every year and yielding a crop of 
over 12,000,000 bushels. 



WHITE POTATOES 

New Jersey, in proportion to its size, ranks foremost of all the potato 
producing states. The area in potatoes usually varies from 80,000 to 
90,000 acres, located principally in four definitely developed regions, though 
it is estimated that in 1919 over 110,500 acres were planted, with a total 
production of 11,500,000 bushels. Contrasted with the average for the 
State of 104 bushels per acre, yields of 300 to 350 bushels per acre are not 
uncommon in the potato sections. The intensive specialization within lim- 
ited areas has made it easy for growers to unite in buying their fertilizers, 
spray materials and seed, and in marketing their crops at the end of the 
season. Practices and methods have been standardized to great mutual 
advantage. 

As high as 50 to 70 per cent of the farms within the given areas can be 
used for potatoes. The soils, unlike those of most other sections, are such 
that, by using cover and green manure crops and commercial fertilizers, 
potatoes may be grown year after year on the same land. This seeding 

Tiienty-seven 



after the potatoes are harvested, furnishes the organic matter necessary to 
maintain the physical tilth of the soil and makes livestock unnecessary for 
maintaining fertility. 

WHITE POTATO SECTIONS 

(see map opposite.) 

Section i. — The Monmouth and Middlesex area, the largest and most 
important in the State, has 25,000 acres in potatoes. The industry has been 
most highly developed and is increasing each year. The average production 
per acre is from 80 to 90 barrels, or 220 to 245 bushels. The average 
potato farm in Monmouth County has 73 crop acres and a total farm area 
of 98 acres. Other averages per farm, figured before 1914, show $17,673 
capital invested, receipts $4240, a farm income of $1801, and 2.4 men re- 
quired. These values have materially increased since the war. This area 
has level topography, good roads, convenient shipping stations and fine social 
advantages. The potato most commonly grown is the American Giant, 
which is hardy and scab resistant, and lends itself particularly well to local 
conditions. 

Section 2. — The Cumberland and Salem Area lies farther south, where 
the soil is slightly heavier than in Section 1. It is neither so large nor so in- 
tensive a potato center and the crop is produced more largely in rotation. 
The farmers raise mostly round stock, such as Irish Cobbler and Mill's 
Prize, together with late crop potatoes, such as Red Skins and so-called Pink 




.1 i„,t„i, 



qi ready for the market. 



Tixenty- eight 




Tixenty-nine 




iVew Jersey produces about $20,000,000 worth of white potatoes annually. 

Eyes, which are local varieties particularly adapted for planting and market- 
ing late in the season. Potatoes are also raised to a considerable extent for 
seed. This area comprises about 20,000 acres. The price of land in this 
section is not quite so high as in Section 1. 

Section J. — The Burlington Area is somewhat similar to Section 2. It 
has about 12,000 acres of potatoes, and is developing rapidly. It produces 
less seed and late crop potatoes for the commercial market. The varieties 
mostly grown are Cobbler, Green Mountain, Norcross or Gold Coin, 
though some of the growers prefer the Giant. 

Section 4. — The Camden Area is very similar to Section 3. Practically 
the same varieties are grown, but yields are not as high as in the preceding 
sections, as soils are not so well adapted to the crop. This section has the 
advantage of being close to Philadelphia. 



Thirty 




The dairy section of ^orth Jersey. 



DAIRYING 

New Jersey has over 150,000 dairy cows, and the value of dairy products 
in 1919 was between $25,000,000 and $30,000,000. According to Govern- 
ment figures, dairy cattle in New Jersey, in proportion to the quantity, are 
valued higher than in any other State, the total valuation being $15,000,000. 
On the same basis, the State ranks first in the amount of advanced 
registry work done, and the number of pure bred herds is rapidly 
increasing. The Holstein and Guernsey breeds predominate, yet there are- 
Jersey breeders who are among the world's leaders for that type. 

Although several of the country's largest producers of certified and modi- 
fied milk are established within our borders, New Jersey imports consider- 
able milk to supply the demand, which indicates the opportunity for expan- 
sion. The close proximity to large consuming centers together with the ad- 
vantage of collective marketing assure good prices to dairymen who choose 
to locate in the well adapted areas of the State. The price received by pro- 
ducers at shipping stations within the 60 to 70 mile zone from New York 
City for milk containing 3.6 per cent fat, was $4.06 per 100 pounds or 8.73 
per quart during December, 1919. The average price during the year 1919 
was $3.66 per 100 pounds, or 7.88 cents per quart. 

New Jersey now has eleven cow testing associations, and the breeders of 
Holsteins, Guernseys and Jerseys have organized State Associations. Local 

Thirty-one 



Holstein breeders associations have recently been formed in Hunterdon, 
Somerset, Mercer, Warren, Salem and Cumberland Counties. The New 
Jersey State Dairymen's Association is active in advancing practical ideas 
regarding the value of milk, price factors, and legislation. 

Distinguished work has been accomplished in the control of such diseases 
as tuberculosis among dairy cattle, particularly in the prevention of shipment 
into the State of tubercular cattle. As a result of recent tests there are now 
49 herds on the accredited list, under which plan all of the animals are 
tested regularly by Federal and State veterinarians. The State is not in the 
tick area, and is therefore free from the pest. 

DAIRY SECTIONS 

(SEE MAP OPPOSITE.) 

Section i. — Known as the North Jersey area, includes Sussex, Warren, 
Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset and the northern half of Mercer Counties. 
The country is rolling in Mercer, Somerset and Hunterdon, hilly and rug- 
ged in Morris, Warren and Sussex, with much good pasture land, and many 
small streams throughout. Well known breeders located here are furnish- 
ing foundation stock for other states. 

Sussex County. — This is one of the best dairy counties in the United 
States, having 25,000 cows within its borders and averaging 25 per farm. 
The average production per cow is 6000 lbs., while the average for the State 
is between 3800 lbs. and 4000 lbs. Practically every farm is a dairy farm 
with modern barns and equipment. 

Warren County. — More than 10,000 dairy cows are scattered through 
the wide fertile valleys of this area. Pasturage is excellent, and good crops 
of corn and oats can be grown. In this county are the homes of the famous 
pure bred Holstein sires. King of the Sadie Vales, King of the Ormbys and 
King of the Johanna Lads. Here is also found the home of the $100,000 
bull. King Pontiac Fayne Segis, and likewise Korndyke Abberkerk, whose 
progeny have shown his value in several states. 

Hunterdon and Mercer Counties. — Hunterdon has 14,000 dairy cows 
and Mercer 9,000, mostly of the Holstein breed. The herds in these sec- 
tions average from 15 to 20 cows and there are many up-to-date dairy farms. 
The country is not so rugged as that in Sussex and Warren Counties and 
good pasture land and water are plentiful. 

Thirty-tioo 



NEW JERSEY 

Chief Dairy Sections 
1920 



Scale of mile; 



OePARTMENT OF 
CONJtRVATION B DEVELOPMENT 

TRENTON 




Thirty-three 



Morris County. — In this area there are about 9,000 cows. The country 
is rolling to hilly, with many fertile valleys. Long Valley in particular is 
ideal for the raising of cattle and general crops. This county is the home of 
several famous breeders and importers of Guernseys. Here is located the 
world's record Guernsey cow, Follyland Nancy, whose son sold recently for 
$25,000. 

Somerset County. — With its 14,000 dairy cows is one of the best Holstein 
counties in the east. It has many pure bred herds, and is the home of the 
first 40 pound cow, the world's champion at the time. The grand cham- 
pion Ayreshire bull at a recent national dairy show was owned by a Somerset 
County breeder. The topography of this section, and the crops grown, are 
similar to those of other counties in Section 1. 

Section 2. — Known as the Cream Ridge Area, is in the western part of 
Monmouth County, where dairying has long been the chief industry. The 
milk produced is used mostly by shore trade. The cattle are for the most 
part Holsteins, with a few Guernseys. The highest price ever paid for a 
Guernsey bull was received recently by a Monmouth County breeder. Corn 
grows well here, and many silos are in use. 

Section 3. — Comprises a very extensive dairy community in the northern 
half of Burlington County. The topography is level to rolling, the pas- 
tures abundant and the land fit for practically any crop. Southern varieties 
of ensilage corn are grown extensively and it is not uncommon to cut from 
12 to 15 tons per acre. This is one of the oldest dairy sections in the 
United States, containing at the present time about 10,000 dairy cattle. 
Grade Holsteins predominate, although there are several herds of grade and 
pure-bred Guernseys. As seasons are longer than in Sections 1 and 2 the 
herds may be pastured from April to November. Most of the dairymen 
are members of the Inter-State Milk Producers' Association, and sell their 
products as whole milk in Philadelphia. The cow testing association now 
operating obtains good results. 

Section 4. — Known as the Salem area, has about 15,000 high-class grade 
and pure bred cattle. The progressive dairymen have maintained a cow 
testing association for six years, and have done considerable advance registry 
work. One breeder of pure bred Jerseys has placed forty cows on the 
"Register of Merit" list within the past four years. Here, as in Section 3, 
the seasons are long and large quantities of corn and grain are grown. The 

Thirty-four 




Where some of 
Jersei/s high grade 
milk is produced. 







Thirty-five 




Dairying 
produces a 
steady cash 
income on 
many general 
farms. 



crop rotation of corn, potatoes, grain and alfalfa works well with dairying. 
It is not uncommon to see herds pastured on fields which would raise 75 
bushels of corn to the acre if under cultivation. 

Section 5. — Known as the Shiloh Area, is in Cumberland County. Here 
also the dairymen are very progressive. Practically all of them keep pure 
bred stock and belong to a cow testing association. Farmers in Sections 4 
and 5 purchased over twenty pure bred Holstein bulls during 1919, at an 
average price of $600. The crops are corn, grain and tomatoes. The 
milk is sold either to the condensery in Bridgeton or to the Inter-State Milk 
Producers' Association at Philadelphia. 

Section 6. — Is close to Newark, Paterson and Jersey City. Dairymen of 
this section usually retail their milk in nearby cities and towns. In com- 
parison with other sections, very few calves are raised, but cows in the lac- 
tation period are bought for milk and later sold for beef. It is not uncom- 
mon to see herds of 200 cows kept within three miles of the city. Practi- 
cally all the feed is purchased, and the cows are forced for the highest milk 
production. 



Thirty-six 




A modi I mi-iuen/. 



SWINE AND SHEEP 

Swine . — The production of pork is one of the profitable occupations of 
New Jersey farmers. Potato and truck growers in South Jersey have dem- 
onstrated that the hog is the most economical medium for converting seem- 
ingly waste products into marketable commodities, and many of them are 
now marketing their small potatoes and fruit culls through the porker. 
The industry is also carried on to a considerable extent in the central and 
northern sections, the farmers of Monmouth, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset, 
Morris, Hunterdon, Warren and Sussex Counties raising swine as a side 
line of dairying and general farming. 

The increased acreage devoted to alfalfa is a boon to swine husbandry, 
while the control of hog cholera by means of potent serum has done much 
to make it profitable. 

Sheep. — Some sections of the State ofiEer peculiar advantages for the rais- 
ing of sheep, the high, rolling lands especially making suitable pastures. 
As a means of increasing fertility, destroying weeds and utilizing coarse 
and rough fodders, the raising of sheep in New Jersey is desirable. There 
is always a big demand for wool, and for lamb and mutton. 

Areas well adapted for the raising of any kind of live stock are available 
at reasonable figures in all parts of the State. 

Thirty-seven 




Tomatoes for a soup factory. 



VEGETABLES 



By virtue of its fertile soils and the close proximity of its farmland to 
markets New Jersey has always been a large producer of vegetables. They 
are grown commercially in every county, and "Jersey Grown'', as applied to 
produce offered in city markets, means high quality for the consumer and 
good prices for the producer. 

In quantity production New Jersey ranks high. 53% of the peppers 
grown in the United States are raised here. It is the second asparagus 
producing State in the Union. Three of our counties are among the first 
five in the United States in the production of sweet potatoes, of which New 
Jersey produces 1,800,000 bushels annually. The Richfield section of Pas- 
saic County enjoys the reputation of being the most intensive gardening sec- 
tion in the United States. In one square mile between 20,000 and 25,000 
sash are operated. New Jersey with more than sixty canning factories, has 
one of the largest canning industries in the country. 

This specialty may be grouped broadly in three classes : 

Thirty-eiffht 




In some 
sections truck 
crops are 
profitably 
grown nnder 
irrigation. 



1. Market gardening, which is most highly developed in the northern 
section where land values are relatively high. 

2. Truck gardening, which uses lower priced land in every part of the 
State, yet is always in close touch with the markets. 

3. Production for the canning factories, an industry that is specially de- 
veloped in the southern and central sections. 

The sections described here are those in which some type of vegetable 
growing has become specialized, yet it should be understood that other dis- 
tricts are constantly being developed. 

T/iirty-nirif 



TRUCK AND MARKET GARDEN SECTIONS 

(see map opposite.) 

Section i comprises a large part of Bergen County. The size of the 
truck farm varies from 12 to 40 acres. The soil is a good loam. Many of 
the growers formerly used large quantities of manure ; now they sow cover 
crops such as vetch, rye, and the clovers, after the last cultivation, and apply 
commercial fertilizer in the spring. The principal crops grown are sweet 
corn and cabbage. These vegetables are marketed chiefly in Newark and 
New York. 

Section 2 is mainly meadow land in Essex and Morris Counties. The 
usual garden contains from 5 to 12 acres. Manure is used in great quan- 
tities, supplemented by commercial fertilizer. Every variety of vegetable is 
grown, and practically every gardener keeps from 1500 to 2000 sash for the 
growing of lettuce, carrots, beets, cauliflower, parsley, spinach and celery. 
Land values here are becoming so high that some of the market gardeners 
are selling their land for suburban development and moving fifteen or 
twenty miles into the country where city markets can still be easily reached 
by means of motor trucks. In the Brookdale community much horse-radish 
of high quality is grown. The soil in this area is a medium to heavy loam, 
often considered too heavy for market gardening, but by the use of lime and 
much manure it produces excellent results under skillful management. 




Jersey's lighter soils produce the second largest asparagus crop in the country. 
Forty 



MEWJEMSEY 

Chief Vegetable sections 
1920 






DEPARTMENT OF 
CONJZRYATION & OEVELOPME 



TRENTON 




Forty-one 




Jersey melons 
are famous. 



Sectiofi J, Stretching from New Brunswick to Elizabeth, is an area of 
much larger farms, the common size being from 20 to 75 acres. The soil 
is variable and the crops include asparagus, tomatoes, peas, beans, cabbage, 
rhubarb and carrots. Most of the vegetables are marketed in Newark, 
Plainfield and New Brunswick. Progressive growers in this section are 
developing a special strain of asparagus which promises to surpass all other 
varieties. 

Section 4 includes a part of Monmouth County where the farms run from 
40 to 70 acres. Considerable fruit is grown along with vegetables. The 
main crops are tomatoes, asparagus, peppers, muskmelons, carrots, beets and 
cabbage. During the heavy shipping season some of the produce goes to 
New York by boat, though most of it is shipped by train. Some of the 

Forty-tivo 





The light soils of Sonth Jersey prodnce large crops of onions. 

growers within hauling distance of Perth Amboy dispose of their produce 
at the popular public market there. 

Section 5 comprises a narrow strip running close to the shore from Manas- 
quan to Cape May. Trucking here is less intensive than in other sections, 
being mostly for the shore trade, and commonly occupies less than six 
months of the grower's time. The rest of the year is spent in other occu- 
pations, or in general farming. In this section are great opportunities for 
intensive cultivation of specialties salable in city as well as in shore markets. 
By the use of cover crops and commercial fertilizers, with skillful manage- 
ment, the light, warm soils produce fine crops of sweet potatoes, asparagus 
and other vegetables. 

Section 6, the Bridgeton and Maurice River sections of Cumberland 
County, cover one of the best known trucking areas. Some of the farms 
exceed 1,000 acres. The soil in the southern and eastern portions of this 
section is a light to medium sandy loam, which warms up quickly in the 
spring, and is adapted for the growing of sweet potatoes, onions, asparagus, 
melons, tomatoes and strawberries. The centers of production for these 
crops are Cedarville, Newport, Dividing Creek, Center Grove and Port 
Norris. Thousands of acres in the vicinity of these towns are devoted to 
onions and strawberries, which are shipped to the Philadelphia and New 
York markets. The soil in the northwestern part of the area, north of 

Forty -three 




Market gardening section of North Jersey within ten miles of New York City. 

Bridgeton, and in the vicinity of Rosenhayn, Pleasant Grove, and Garton 
Road, is a somewhat heavier loam than is found in the southern portion and 
supports an intensive trucking industry, several large tracts being under irri- 
gation. Here great crops of tomatoes, beans, egg plants, lettuce, onions and 
strawberries are produced each season and marketed in the large eastern 
cities. Several canning houses in this section also take much of the produce 
grown. 

Section 7 is known as the Vineland-Hammonton area. The farms range 
from 15 to 75 acres in size. The soil is mostly a light sandy loam, which, 
under good management, produces excellent crops of peppers, sweet potatoes, 
tomatoes, asparagus, peas, beans, melons, strawberries and sweet corn. In 
1918 the pepper shipment from Malaga was 17,237 barrels, from Newfield 
8,478 barrels, and from South Vineland 1,320 barrels. The growing of 
sweet potatoes in the vicinity of Vineland is another specialty that is reaching 
great proportions. The reputation of "Vineland sweets" always assures top 
prices in the New York, Philadelphia and Boston markets. The produce 
from this section is shipped over two main railroads in special cars provided 
during the growing season at all main stations. 

Section 8 is called the Swedesboro area. The soil is of several types, 
varying from very light, sandy loam to heavy, gravelly loam, with some 
marl formations. The size of the farms varies from 30 to 90 acres and the 
crops include peppers, sweet potatoes, asparagus, cantaloupes, watermelons 
and tomatoes. The centers of production are Swedesboro, MulHca Hill, 

Forty-four 




The light, 
warm soils 
of South Jersey 
are particularly 
adapted to 
sweet potatoes. 



Mickleton and Thorofare. Markets are found in the large cities as far 
west as Detroit, though many growers haul by motor truck or wagon direct 
to Philadelphia. In 1919 the sweet potatoes shipped from Swedesboro alone 
amounted to 10,357 barrels, 309,909 baskets and 132,500 pounds in bulk; 
of tomatoes, 10,837 baskets and 446,701 crates, and of peppers 90 barrels, 
83,652 baskets and 14,043 crates. 

Section g forms a rectangular strip adjoining the Delaware River in Bur- 
lington and Camden Counties. The soil varies from a light to medium 
sandy loam, and the principal crops grown are early peas, beans, sweet corn, 
cantaloupes, peppers, cabbage and tomatoes. Many of the growers also 
raise considerable fruit. Products are hauled direct to Philadelphia, or 
shipped by train to the large cities. This section is developing rapidly into 
one of the most advanced trucking areas in the State. 

¥orty-^ve 




Grapes, strawberries 
and bush fruits 
are grown 
extensively in the 
southern and 
central sections. 



Section lo includes part of Burlington and Mercer Counties in the vicin- 
ity of Trenton. The soil in this area is heavier than in the sections farther 
south, and the principal crops are asparagus, tomatoes, peas, beans and sweet 
corn. A good market is found in Trenton, with New York and Philadel- 
phia for the surplus stock. 

Section ii is an area of muck, or black soils which are ideal for growing 
celery, lettuce and onions. This rich land, much of it undeveloped, includes 
hundreds of acres in Warren and Sussex Counties. Though the develop- 
ment of this ground often involves considerable expenditure for drainage 
the handsome returns in crops usually justifies it. 

Section 12 comprises the Montague district in northern Sussex County. 
It is now principally devoted to supplying the Port Jervis and New York 
markets, yet is capable of considerable expansion. 
Forty- six 




A well-kept peach orchard in Cumberland County. 



FRUIT 

New Jersey ranks high as a producer of tree fruits, small fruits, grapes 
and cranberries. Although forty-fifth in size among the States of the 
Union, the State is close to the top of the list in quantity and quality of its 
fruit products. 

All of the standard temperate zone fruits, peach, pear, apple, cherry, 
quince, grape, briar, bush and vine berries are successfully grown in most 
parts of New Jersey. The rolling and hilly areas of Sussex, Warren and 
Hunterdon Counties favor certain types or species; the level lands and 
earlier seasons of Gloucester, Cumberland and Cape May Counties give ad- 
vantage to others. The ten days to two weeks difference in the ripening 
period of the various fruits between North Jersey and South Jersey works 
to the advantage of the fruit growers by reducing competition. 

Peaches.— New Jersey has long been known as one of the foremost peach 
states, its fruit rivaling that of Delaware, Georgia and California. The 
orchards of New Jersey produce fruit of exceptional color and flavor. The 
chief centers of peach production are Vineland, Hammonton, Bridgeton, 
Glassboro, Moorestown, Beverly, Hopewell and Lebanon. 

Apples.— A large acreage planted in apple trees is bringing handsome re- 

Foriy-seven 



turns for high quality fruit, and the number of young orchards is rapidly 
increasing. The elevated, rolling lands of northern New Jersey are es- 
pecially adapted to the production of apples of the highest quality and color, 
while many successful orchards are found upon the loams of central and 
southern New Jersey. The principal centers of production are Newton, 
Blairstown, Hackettstown, Middletown, Cranbury, Beverly, Moorestown, 
Glassboro and Bridgeton. Approximately 2,500,000 bushels of apples were 
produced in the State during 1919. 

Other Tree Fruiti. — Pears, cherries, plums and quinces are grown for 
market in many parts of the State, although not so extensively as peaches 
and apples. The annual pear crop is about 450,000 bushels. 

Grapes. — Favorable conditions for grape production are found in several 
sections, but the industry at present is centered chiefly in Atlantic, Cumber- 
land and Burlington Counties. There is a large acreage of grapes around 
Vineland; other extensive vineyards are to be found in the vicinity of Ham- 
monton and Egg Harbor City. 

Berries. — The production of berries is an important part of the fruit busi- 
ness of the State, and blackberries, dewberries, raspberries, currants, goose- 
berries and strawberries are extensively grown. New Jersey cultivates 
more blackberries and dewberries than any other state. Atlantic County 
leads in the production of raspberries, dewberries and blackberries, with 
Hammonton and Egg Harbor City as centers. They are also produced in 
abundance in Cumberland, Camden, Burlington and Monmouth Counties. 
Strawberries are grown in large quantities all over the State, especially in 
Cumberland and Burlington Counties. 

FRUIT SECTIONS 

(SEE MAP ON PAGE 53.) 

The most important fruit growing sections are described below, though, 
since the whole State is adapted to the production of fruit, many fine loca- 
tions will be found outside the areas named. 

Section i. — This comprises a large portion of Sussex and Warren Coun- 
ties, with parts of Morris and Hunterdon. Commercial fruit growing in 
this section is largely confined to the production of apples, but there are a 

Forty-eight 




Jersey peaches. 



Forty-nine 




Apples with beans; the double cropping practice is common. 

few peach orchards. The business is sometimes combined with dairying. 
Orcharding in this part of the State is undeveloped and splendid opportuni- 
ties for the prospective apple grower will be found. The Baldwin, North- 
ern Spy, Rhode Island Greening, Mcintosh and Fall Pippin grow to per- 
fection under proper culture. 

Section 2. — This includes portions of Hunterdon and Morris Counties, 
well known years ago as one of the most important peach growing districts 
in the country. With the introduction of the San Jose scale the peach 
orchards were wiped out, but now that the scale is under control this sec- 
tion ofifers exceptional opportunities for both peach and apple growing. 

Section J. — This area in Bergen County is specially adapted to the devel- 
opment of small peach and apple orchards, whose products are sold in local 
markets. The population in this part of the State is largely made up of 
commuters who willingly pay geod prices for first class fruit. 

Section 4. — This section, comprising those parts of Essex, Union and 
Middlesex Counties farthest removed from the large cities, is similar in 
many ways to Section 3, although the land is less rolling and the soil is not 

Fifty 




Apples of the highest flavor and color are grown near the large markets. 

SO Strong. The bulk of the fruit grown in this district is sold locally and 
there are many opportunities for the development of new orchards. 

Section 5.— Comprising the northeastern portion of Monmouth County, 
this district is now one of the most important apple growing sections in the 
State. Peaches, pears, grapes and small fruits also flourish. Transporta- 
tion facilities to the markets in Newark, New York and along the seashore 
are most satisfactory. The country is rolling, with ideal soil and climatic 
conditions. 

Section 6.— The parts of Middlesex, Monmouth and Mercer Counties 
included in this area contain some very fine orchards, though the primary 
interests are other than fruit growing. The striking success of these widely 
separated orchards indicates fine opportunities for future development. 
The land is gently rolling, easy to handle, and the roads and transportation 
facilities are unsurpassed. The most important centers are Englishtown, 
Hightstown and Cranbury. 

Section 7.— This area, comprising the western half of Burlington. Cam- 
den and Gloucester Counties, is the most intensive and important fruit 

Fifty-one 




A packing house in a Jersey peach section. 

growing section in the State. All kinds of deciduous fruits are grown here 
to perfection, the greatest emphasis being placed upon the production of 
apples, peaches, pears, grapes and strawberries. The Philadelphia market 
is easily reached by wagon or motor truck, while New York and other large 
markets have direct connection by railroad. A large number of young 
orchards indicates the future importance of apples and peaches. The chief 
centers are Burlington, Beverly, Riverton, Moorestown, Haddonfield and 
Clementon. 

Section 8. — The center of this section is Glassboro, about which are 
grouped a limited number of large apple and peach orchards. The soil 
here is fairly light, but quickly responds to treatment. There are many 
opportunities in this district for the development of orchards on a large 
or small scale. 

Section Q. — This section, with its center at Hammonton, is known pri- 
marily for its peaches and small fruits. It has much to offer newcomers. 
Raspberries, dewberries, strawberries and grapes are grown extensively on 
the light, warm, early soil. 

Section lO. — This area is well known for its peaches and small fruits, 
while the production of apples is developing rapidly. The soil is early 
and easily worked. Vineland is the center for peaches and Bridgeton for 
apples. Cedarville, Dividing Creek and Port Norris, are famous for their 
strawberries. Early Campbell and Gandy being the leading varieties. 

Fifty-tivo 



NEW JERSEY 

Chief Fruit Sections 
1920 



Scale of milet 

10 IS 20 



OBPARTMENT OF 

CON5ERVATION I, OCVELOPneNT 

TRENTON. 




Fifty-three 



CANNING 

Based upon the great quantities of fruits and vegetables produced in 
favorable localities, and upon the extremely perishable nature of these pro- 
ducts, many canning factories have been erected, and do a flourishing busi- 
ness during several months of the year. There are over sixty such factories 
in the central and southern parts of the State, giving seasonal employment 
to more than five thousand people. Tomatoes and pears are the principal 
crops canned, supplemented by peas, beans, corn and berries. 

In parts of Salem County, tomatoes for canning are raised in connection 
with dairy farming, which provides manure as fertilizer. In the Swedes- 
boro vegetable section large quantities of late tomatoes are turned over to 
the canhouse after the early crop has been marketed for domestic use. In 
Cumberland, Cape May, Atlantic, Camden and Burlington Counties, large 
acreages of canhouse tomatoes are grown annually under contract agree- 
ment. 




Numerous 
canning factories 
absorb surplus 
produce. 



Fifty- four 



FLORICULTURE 

New Jersey has long held a prominent place in the commercial production 
of cut flowers and potted plants, some growers giving particular attention 
to new varieties. A recent census showed that the State ranked fourth in 
the value of florists' products. The greater number of the greenhouses 
are located within a short distance of New York, but large greenhouses are 
situated in other parts of the State as well. 




Bee-keeping is a profitable nid in fruit r/rowitig. 



BEE KEEPING 

As a side line with fruit raising or general farming, bee keeping makes 
an interesting and profitable pursuit. In hothouse vegetable growing it is 
necessary to keep some bees to insure pollination of the flowers and a satis- 
factory set of fruits. The comparatively mild climate of New Jersey re- 
duces the risk of winter loss as the bees winter very well on the ordinary 
summer stands with but little or no protection. 

More than twenty thousand colonies of bees are kept on our farms. The 
total value of the honey produced yearly is estimated at $250,000. 

Fifty-five 



CRANBERRIES 

New Jersey produces over one-third of the world's cranberry crop, as 
they are not grown outside of the United States. There are in this State 
approximately ten thousand acres in cranberries, yielding from 100,000 to 
250,000 barrels annually. The average annual value of the cranberry crop 
of New Jersey is estimated at a million dollars. A large part of the pres- 
ent acreage has been cleared, drained and set out with selected varieties. 
Most of these bogs are in Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean Counties. In 
those counties, and in Cumberland and Cape May, are many hundreds of 
acres of available swamp land which only await capital and energy to trans- 
form them into profitable plantations. This land can be bought for from 
$5.00 to $20.00 per acre. Much of it is several miles from a railroad. 




(C) BROWN- PROS. 

Cranberry growing. Hundreds of acres o/ suitable land are still undeveloped. 
Fifty-six 




i'uii'iiiii itiising combines well with peach growing/ in South Jersey. 

POULTRY 

With the development of scientific methods of management, poultry 
raising in New Jersey has expanded within the past decade into a highly 
specialized industry. Contrary to a common belief, and in spite of much 
glowing advertising, this is not a business which can be taken up and made 
successful without capital or skill. Numerous abandoned plants mark mis- 
adventures, but the thousands of large flocks scattered over the State, and 
which bring to their owners satisfactory returns, determine an organized 
and stable industry. About 8 per cent, of New Jersey's agricultural wealth 
is in poultry ; for the United States as a whole it represents but 3 per cent. 

The State has a reputation for the production of market eggs and broilers 
which are sold in the large cities. To these markets are added the shore 
resorts which, during the summer, and to a less extent in winter, consume 
large quantities of the best poultry products. 

Climatic and soil conditions are ideal for poultry. The temperate cli- 
mate and well drained soils tend to prevent sickness among the birds and 
facilitate necessary sanitary measures. 

The poultrymen of the State are perhaps better organized than those of 
any other State in the Union. Many poultry associations with large active 
memberships are maintained primarily for educational and exhibition pur- 
poses. The State College and Experiment Station are well equipped and 
organized for educational and experimental work. In every way New 
Jersey offers attractions to prospective egg farmers. 

Fifty-seven 



POULTRY SECTIONS 

(see map opposite.) 

Though practically the entire State is favorable for poultry raising, the 
industry has become intensified in certain sections. The Vineland area in 
particular contains many poultry farms, mostly of the same type. With the 
exception of Petaluna, California, no other area in the United States has 
developed poultry farming to so high a degree. Other sections closely 
rival Vineland. 

Section i. — Vineland Area. This covers a rectangular tract in Cumber- 
land County about five miles wide and seven miles long, with the borough of 
Vineland as its center. It is 35 miles south of Philadelphia and 100 miles 
from New York City. Transportation facilities are excellent, no poultry 
farm being over two miles from a shipping point. The topography is nearly 
level ; the soil is light and sandy, with considerable gravel in many places. 
It is so well drained that it is possible to keep poultry on the same ground 
year after year without danger of disease. The Leghorn is the prevailing 
type of bird. 

Section 2. — Lakewood and Toms River Area. The area about these 
centers is located in Ocean County, 63 miles from New York City, and 
about 13 miles from an important group of shore resorts. Shipping facil- 
ities by rail and highway are very convenient. The topography is fairly 
level; the soil and climatic conditions are similar to those of Section 1. 
Throughout the area are well-grown pine forests which further moderate 
the naturally mild winters. The industry is not quite so intensive as in 
Section 1, the farms being larger and more scattered, yet the section prom- 
ises to rival the Vineland area within a few years. Here as well the pre- 
dominating type is the Leghorn, and there are also some of the best Barred 
Rock and Rhode Island Red flocks in the country. 

Section J. — Hammonton Area. This narrow rectangular strip extends 
along two railroads between Hammonton and Egg Harbor City. Con- 
ditions respecting soil and climate are similar to those of Section 1 , though 
the poultry industry is somewhat less intensified. Its future is promising. 
The Leghorn is the principal type raised. 

Section 4. — Delaware River Area. In the immediate vicinity of Lam- 
bertville and Frenchtown is a section made up principally of large special- 

Fifty-giffkt 




Fifty-nine 



s<^ 






A commercial poultry farm. 

ized farm flocks containing from 200 to 600 birds. This is one of the dis- 
tricts in which general farmers, as distinguished from specialists, keep ade- 
quate flocks, and raise a considerable part of their feed. A great many of 
the eggs produced in the northern part of this area are sold in the spring of 
the year at commercial hatcheries in Frenchtown, Rosemont and Stockton. 
These are among the largest in the world, producing millions of chicks each 
year. Eggs are marketed co-operatively in Newark and New York. Be- 
sides Leghorns, many Rhode Island Reds and White and Barred Plymouth 
Rocks are raised. 

Section 5. — Sussex Area. In this area, located in the northwestern part 
of Sussex County adjacent to the Delaware River, the industry is not so 
intensive as in Sections 1 and 2. The topography is rather rough for New 
Jersey farm land, and the soil is mainly a silty or stony loam. This section 
has pleasant summers, but longer and more severe winters than the southern 
portions of the State. The land is well drained and some crops are raised 
along with the poultry. The Leghorn is the prevailing type. The ship- 
ping points are Port Jervis and Branchville. Branchville is 70 miles and 
Port Jervis is 80 miles by rail from New York City. 

Section 6. — Bergen and Passaic Area. North of the metropolitan dis- 
trict, partly in Bergen and partly in Passaic County, is a section of com- 
mercial poultry farms which carry from 800 to 1500 birds. The farms are 
from 12 to 40 acres in size, and have good markets in New York and its 
suburbs. In most cases poultry raising is combined successfully with truck 

Sixty 




New Jersey has room for more duck farms. 

farming. Wyandottes, Rhode Island Reds, and White and Barred Rocks 
are raised to a considerable extent, together with some Leghorns. 

Section 7. — Seashore Area. This area extends along the shore from 
Keansburg to Farmingdale. It has many commercial farms with from 
1000 to 1200 birds, or more, and is growing rapidly. The farmers sell 
to the shore trade in summer, and ship to Newark and New York during 
the winter. Farms vary in size from 5 to 25 acres and usually combine 
fruit growing and truck gardening with poultry. Leghorns are raised 
mostly, with a few flocks of the heavier breeds. 

Section 8. — Smithville Area. In this section, with Smithville as the 
center, are found a number of commercial plants with about 1000 birds. 
These farms, like those in Sections 1 and 2 are small in size and especially 
devoted to poultry raising on an intensive scale, principally of Leghorns. 
Shipping facilities are good and there is ample room for expansion. 

Section Q. — Cape May Area. This growing area includes Woodbine 
and Belle Plain in Cape May County. The farms are similar to those in 
Section 1, but the practice is less intensified. Leghorns predominate. 

Section 10. — Camden County Area. This area includes a small section 
in the central part of Camden County around Atco and Clementon and 
much resembles Section 8. In addition to Leghorns are found many flocks 



Sixty -one 



of Wyandottes, Rhode Island Reds, and White and Barred Plymouth 
Rocks. 

Section ii. — Pleasantville Area. This area extends along the shore just 
outside of Atlantic City, and, with Pleasantville as its center, contains a 
number of modern poultry plants similar to those found in Sections 1 and 
2. The nearby shore resorts furnish ready markets. The Leghorn is the 
prevailing type. 

Section 12. — Franklinville-Elmer Area. That part of Gloucester County 
around Franklinville, and a corner of Salem County in the vicinity of Elmer 
are included in this area. Poultry raising is carried on in connection with 
general farming, and the farms, which range from 25 to 100 acres, raise 
a large part of the food consumed by the birds. Flocks vary from 400 to 
1200 birds. Eggs are for the most part shipped 25 miles to Philadelphia. 
In addition to Leghorns, the heavier breeds, such as Wyandottes and Barred 
and White Plymouth Rocks, are raised. 



Svccess in 
poultry raising 
depends upon 
hitelligent 
management. 




S'lxty-tivo 



New Jersey Produced in 1919 

$25,000,000 worth of Dairy Products 



20,000,000 
19,720,000 
17,018,000 
14,326,000 
12,500,000 
10,000,000 
30,000,000 



Poultry Products 

White Potatoes 

Corn 

Hay 

Vegetables 

Fruits 

Other Farm Crops 



It has the land to double this 
production 

AVERAGE FARM VALUES 

Surveys of farming sections, made before the war by experts from the 
State Agricultural Experiment Station, covering several hundred farms 
give the following average sizes and values: 



Type of 
Farm 


Average Size 
in Acres 


Average 
Value 


Average Value 
Per Acre 


Dairy 


153.9 


$ 7,765 


$ 50.45 


White Potato 


98. 


14,145 


144.34 


Truck 


55. 


9,845 


179.00 


Poultry 


13. 


5,572 


428.61 


General 


110.4 


10,680 


96.70 



These values, being averages, and even the higher present average values, 
do not, of course, represent the sale price or earning power of the best 
lands in the State. Some farms are properly valued at upwards of $500 
an acre, exclusive of movables, because they yield a profit on that much in- 
vestment. Yet the fact remains that a large part of our farm land is under- 
valued, and on that account should be attractive to purchasers. This view 
supports no attempt to increase farm prices beyond the point determined by 
the earning power of land. Anything like a boom in farm values would 
be a positive misfortune. 

Sixty-three 




RELIABLE INFORMATION OFFERED NEW SETTLERS 

Necessity for Facts . — New Jersey's repute has suffered not. a little through 
the ill-advised — sometimes conscienceless, efforts of boomers, who, with 
no knowledge of the diversity of our soils, and with no knowledge of, 
or interest in, the requirements for successful farming, have advertised 
tracts of land for farming enterprises, especially fruit and poultry raising, 
in a way that has brought disappointment to many. The State, and its 
official agencies, stand for none of these efforts. There is no bonanza to be 
found here and no effort is made to attract farmers, or families, who hope 
to find an easy living on the land. Our appeal is made to those who seek 
opportunity to practice, and to develop, their skill as farmers under agree- 
able living conditions, and where success may be assured through honest 
work, intelligently directed. 

This publication presents facts. The material presented was prepared in 
co-operation with the Director, and various experts of the State Agricul- 
tural Experiment Station, and with the State Secretary of Agriculture and 
his assistants. 

The Land Registry of the Department is maintained to advise prospective 
settlers regarding suitable locations. It gives, without charge, definite and 
trustworthy information about farming opportunities and conditions and 
assists in securing farms adapted to the inquirer's needs, experience, and 
financial ability. It is in touch with available properties in every part of 
the State, ranging from uncleared land and rundown farms to highly de- 
veloped farms of all sizes and types. Correspondence is invited. 

Department of Conservation 'SL Development. 

state House. Trenton, 1920. Ajf^ed GasKill. Director. 

Sixty- four 



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